Congressman Robert Garcia and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Unveil Landmark Bill: Universal Basic Income for Foster Youth Aging Out of System

Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42), along with Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) co-chair Michael Tubbs, announced the “Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act” in a historic move. This legislation, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), aims to address gaps in the federal foster care system by providing a $1,000 monthly stipend to young adults who exit foster care over five years.

Garcia, a staunch supporter of guaranteed income initiatives, emphasized the success of the universal basic income pilot program launched during his time as Mayor of Long Beach. The Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act expands on the lessons learned from such pilot programs, recognizing the critical need for additional support in the federal foster care system.

Congresswoman Omar emphasized the vulnerability of youth aging out of foster care, stating that guaranteed basic income provides a critical lifeline during this difficult transition. The proposed legislation sends a strong message of confidence in these young people’s abilities by providing them with an economic foundation for self-sufficiency.

Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) co-chair Michael Tubbs praised guaranteed income for helping to close the growing gap between living expenses and wages. Tubbs, who was backed by more than 130 mayors and three dozen county officials, emphasized how guaranteed income helps families meet basic needs while also fostering financial stability and reducing daily stress and uncertainty.

The non-profit organization Liberation in a Generation praised Representative Garcia’s unwavering dedication to foster youth. Taofik Oladipo, Policy, and Political Manager, emphasized the policy’s transformative nature, which provides not only financial security but also a path to a better and more inclusive future.

Alarming statistics show that more than one-fifth of foster care youth experience homelessness within a year of emancipation. The Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act aims to address this crisis by authorizing states to provide $1,000 per month to eligible foster youth, including those with disabilities, aged 18 to 27 years. Automatic enrollment at the age 18 and voluntary financial literacy education strengthen the bill’s comprehensive approach.

This legislative proposal, aimed at empowering vulnerable youth, represents a beacon of hope for future generations, breaking the cycle of adversity and allowing them to reach their full potential. The bill can be found here.

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Quincy Thomas

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